[amsat-bb] QIKCOM-1 Summary

[Robert Bruninga]

The QIKCOM-1 module was to be powered by 28 volts after the host spacecraft
deployed its solar panels, charged its batteries and determined that power
was nominal.  Since QIKCOM-1 also had a completely separate QIKCOM-11 VHF
beacon and separate antenna to come on over the USA too, and neither have
been heard, we assume the module has not been powered up.  Both the host
and QKCOM-1 were delivered about two and a half years ago and spent most of
that time stored on ISS awaiting deployment.

We thank everyone who listened after the deployment on Friday, but since
both transmitters are on common APRS frequencies, monitored routinely in
USA and around the world we will surely see it anyway if it powers up.

Since it was deployed from ISS to avoid re-contact later, then it will be
in essentially the same orbit but going lower.  And lower orbits go
faster.  Deployed at 0.3 m/s or about 1kph, my guess is it will gain about
20 seconds a week.in front of ISS AOS as a wild guess.

Bob Bruninga, WB4APR